The Chiefs will likely be without star No10 Damian McKenzie for what could be the most important match of their Super Rugby season so far.
McKenzie, who has an All Blacks stand down week owing, was named
in the side to play the Brumbies in Hamilton on Saturday night, which means he was in line to miss the clash against the Hurricanes next Friday.
While there was no written agreement, Kiwi Super Rugby clubs and New Zealand Rugby reached a verbal understanding that All Blacks players should be rested for two weeks of the season as a form of player management.
That clash looks likely to decide which of the two sides will get home advantage in the opening round of the playoffs.
With two rounds remaining, the Hurricanes lead the Chiefs by four points. Should the Chiefs lose to the Brumbies, then the conversation is irrelevant, but if they win, a home playoff is within touching distance.
The Hurricanes play the Blues tonight in Auckland, following the Chiefs' match. While they get their stars back for the match and go in as deserved favourites, if the Blues pull off the upset, the Chiefs can climb to fourth with a bonus-point win over the Brumbies.
If both the Chiefs and Hurricanes win tonight, all eyes will be on Waikato Stadium next Friday - and McKenzie will likely have to watch from the sidelines.
